The ocean is calling once again in Moana 2, and this time, co-writer and director Dana Ledoux Miller (she/her), is joining the journey. “Getting to make integral creative decisions for this movie has only confirmed what I already know to be true—even the best, most thoughtful allies cannot know everything about what it means to be Indigenous people. We play an invaluable role in telling our own stories, and if we’re not there to make these choices, then even the most well-researched, well-intentioned filmmakers are telling our stories from an outside lens.”

Tomorrow, Moana will set sail after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. But today, we’re hearing from our final Native Narratives feature about her Indigenous heritage, the book she hopes to adapt one day, and the best advice she’s ever received.

How has your Indigenous identity been shaped over the years?
My grandmother is from a small village called Faga on the island of Savai’i in Samoa and my grandfather is from Pago Pago in the American Territory of Samoa. My father grew up in the islands, whereas I grew up in California away from the language and customary protocols that are a huge part of Samoan culture. As a result, I always felt like I wasn’t Samoan enough. It wasn’t until I went to film school at the University of Hawai’i and met filmmakers like Merata Mita that I started to learn to embrace my experience of the world—that my mixed race heritage wasn’t a disadvantage, but my own unique lens through which I tell stories.

Now for some rapid-fire questions! First one: Go-to pump-up song?
I don’t really do pump-up songs, but my version would be when it’s time to go to the beach. The first song I play is Cool Down by Kolohe Kai.

What do you wear if you have a big meeting?
I always wear big heels to meetings. I’m 5’9 and often walk into meetings where I’m the only woman in the room. I like to set the tone by making myself take up more space—it gives me a boost of secret strength to be the tallest person in the room.

Best book you’ve ever read?
I’m obsessed with a book called Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn that I hope to one day adapt.

Fave director?
I find a lot of joy and inspiration in the work of Kelly Reichardt. But, I could also watch 10 Things I Hate About You on repeat for the rest of my life [laughing].

Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Say yes. Say what you want. It’s a counterintuitive instinct for me to do this—my impulse is to never ask for too much or take up too much space before I’ve “earned it.” But saying yes to new opportunities helped me discover what I’m capable of. The truth is non-Indigenous folks aren’t going to make space for us if we don’t make space for ourselves.